Join our Summer Term 2021 online songwriting clubs

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The #1 club for musical and creative young people

We’re calling all budding young songwriters to join our Summer Term online songwriting groups. Small groups of like-minded young creatives across the UK & beyond get inspired by Song Academy professional songwriters & take on songwriting briefs to express themselves with lyrics & music….writing their own original songs.

Small groups of 4 children. Sessions from 4:45-5:45pm and 5:45-6:45pm, Monday to Thursday. A precious one hour a week being free to express yourself, developing songwriting talents, confidence and building self esteem.

All groups have children the same age and songwriting/musical experience. Click here for more information and how to book.

Session dates the weeks commencing:
19th, 26th April
3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th May (no clubs on the half term week commencing 31st May)
7th, 14th, 21st, 28th June
The membership fee is £155 for the 10 week term.
A precious one hour a week being free to express yourself, developing songwriting talents, confidence and building self esteem.

Testimonials:
“Thank you Song Academy! You’ve given Daisy a unique outlet to be creative & inspired, plus she’s made some life-long friends. Keep on inspiring young people with your magic!” Clare, Parent

“Song Academy gives me an opportunity to express my feelings through song more effectively. I already enjoyed song-writing before but with the encouragement and guidance of the Song Academy team, I feel much more confident and I love performing at the end of term Gigs!” India aged 15

Click here for more information and how to book.

The Young Songwriter 2021 competition is open for entries!

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Star Judges include Fraser T Smith, Tom Odell, Miranda Cooper, Chris Difford,
Calum Scott, Tom Grennan & Michelle Escoffery

Listen up, gen Z have something to say! In its 11th exciting year, the prestigious Song Academy Young Songwriter Competition 2021 #SAYS21 is calling all young people to speak up & express themselves, by writing their own original songs! The entry period is from the 1st February until 31st March 2021, you must be aged 8-18 and you can enter from anywhere in the world. The Young Songwriter 2021 is for both aspiring young songwriters who already have some experience as well as young people who want to write their first song.

Fraser T Smith (songwriter, producer and SAYS21 judge) says “With so much going on in the world, it’s never been more vital for young people to be able to channel their energy and emotions into something positive, which is what The Young Songwriter competition encourages and facilitates through songwriting. Every young person has something to say, a story to tell, or a message to share – that’s why Song Academy is so important to our community.”

Do you know any young people who are…
• Writing their own songs & want to get them heard?
• Secretly writing their own songs and need a bit of encouragement to share them?
• Creative & musical and would like to write their first song?

We’re looking for pure, fresh songwriting talent. Songs will be judged on their originality, lyrics, melody, composition, and potential to be a smash hit! There’s no need to enter professional recordings, however a good recording can help to enhance the impact of songs.

Enter between the 1st February and 31st March 2021 for the opportunity to:
• Get noticed by some of the best songwriters & key players in the music industry
• Have your songs heard and stand out from the crowd
• Record your winning song with a top producer in London
• Win £1,000 worth of Yamaha equipment
• Receive a professional music video & photos from the recording session
• Win a Focusrite Scarlett Solo Gen 3 Studio Bundle
• Perform in The Young Songwriter 2021 showcase at The Tabernacle, London
• Get connected to our vibrant community of young songwriters

More information including the entry form click www.songacademy.co.uk/says21

This competition will be separately judged for UK & Ireland 8-12 year olds, UK & Ireland 13-18 year olds, International 8-12 year olds and International 13-18 year olds.

Official sponsors of SAYS21 are Yamaha, Focusrite, Kobalt, ICMP, PRS for Music and Soundtrap.  Key partners are MUSIC:ED, Association of Colleges, FAC, Good Soldier, Soundcity and Songwriting magazine.

This year’s panel of award winning judges includes: Fraser T Smith (Stormzy, Dave, Adele, Drake, Sam Smith), Tom Odell, Chris Difford, Tom Grennan, Michelle Escoffery, Calum Scott, Hannah V, Calum Scott, Dan Gillespie Sells, Harley Sule (Rizzle Kicks), Janet Devlin, Eg White (Adele, Duffy, Take That, Pink), Sacha Skarbek (James Blunt, Miley Cyrus, Adele, Jason Mraz, Duffy), Paul Adam (Dannii Minogue, Amy MacDonald & A&R Director at Island Records), Emily Philips (Rizzle Kicks, John Newman, Maddison Beer), Miranda Cooper (Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Pet Shop Boys, Alesha Dixon), Starsmith (Ellie Goulding, Lady Gaga, Jess Glynne, Paloma Faith), Simon Aldred (Sam Smith, Rag’n’Bone Man, Avicii) and Iain Archer (Bugg, Sea Girls, Lisa Hannigan, Liam Gallagher, James Bay, Snow Patrol, Niall Horan).

Need help getting your songs ready?

Take advantage of our song feedback service where we provide insightful comments on the three areas of lyrics, melodies/composition and production. Plus, join our online songwriting workshops in February Half-Term. 

Quotes from The Young Songwriter competition judges:

Fraser T Smith (producer/songwriter) says “With so much going on in the world, it’s never been more vital for young people to be able to channel their energy and emotions into something positive, which is what The Young Songwriter competition encourages and facilitates through songwriting. Every young person has something to say, a story to tell, or a message to share – that’s why Song Academy is so important to our community.”

Tom Odell (singer/songwriter) says “when I was 13 years old I started writing songs, and over the following years I became more and more obsessed with it, but the thing that always kept me awake at night was how to get them out there for people to hear them. This is why I think the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition is a great way to inspire and help through this process, and its something I wish had been around when I was starting out. I can’t wait to hear the songs!”

Naughty Boy (producer/songwriter) says “young songwriters are the future of music. A great song will always stand the test of time far beyond our years. I think this competition is important because every songwriter I’ve worked with was always waiting to be discovered.”

Miranda Cooper (songwriter) says “The Young Songwriter competition is an amazing opportunity for the next generation of song writers to get their music heard. I am always particularly impressed by the songs submitted by the 8-12 category. I was definitely not writing such accomplished songs at that age!! It’s so exciting to hear new, young talent and I always come away from the judging process feeling inspired. It’s a real reminder of how lucky we are to be doing something we love so much.”

Rowena Atkins, Founder of Song Academy, says “Song Academy inspires young people to speak up, express themselves, celebrate their individuality & get heard. By connecting them to a vibrant community of their peers who all love writing songs, as well as exposing their songs to key players in the Music Industry, we help to build young people’s confidence, self-esteem and drive to achieve their potential.”

QUOTES FROM KOBALT, SOUNDTRAP AND YAMAHA

Willard Ahdritz, Founder & Chairman of Kobalt says “It’s very important to support, inspire, and celebrate young creators as they start on their path in music. We are happy to be involved in this competition as it provides great opportunities and education for the young contestants. I know many of them will go on to have bright careers in music!”

Leanne Barrell, Marketing Manager of Yamaha says, “At Yamaha, we believe that music can empower everyone to express themselves, build friendships and make a positive impact in the world, so naturally we’re delighted to support The Young Songwriter 2021 Competition. It’s a great opportunity for young people everywhere to get inspired and share their music on a global stage. This is all about the future, and we can’t wait to hear the songs of a whole new generation of musical talent.”

Per Emanuelsson, Director of Soundtrap says “The annual Young Songwriter competition is a premiere event introducing many students from around the world to the art of creative expression through song, and is therefore an event close to our heart. Soundtrap is pleased to sponsor the 2021 Young Songwriter competition and advance the mission of helping students find and share their voices.”

Quotes from past The Young Songwriter finalists:

Laura (Young Songwriter Finalist) says “Being a self confessed bedroom musician the Young Songwriter competition has given me the opportunity to take my songs into the real world.” Roman (Young Songwriter Finalist) says “It encourages young people to believe in themselves.” Sam (Young Songwriter Finalist) says “I like how it is focused on songwriting and not particularly vocal or instrumental talent, especially in this day and age, where that’s a critical factor for success. But if you can write a hit, it’s arguably more impressive than if you can sing one, and I think this competition shows that.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

SONG ACADEMY – helping every child find their voice

Founded 12 years ago, we’re dedicated to the future of music & the wellbeing of young people aged 8-18. We enable young people to express themselves and have their voices heard. From their first song to developing their first album. We nurture young writers, artists, musicians, producers & creative thinkers, empowering young people at a formative time of their life.

We believe that songwriting and music can transform the lives of young people by helping them find their voice. Young people are growing up in a competitive, fast changing & potentially isolating environment, which can cause various pressures and lead to issues with their mental health. Through songwriting young people can communicate their thoughts and feelings and connect to others. This creative and therapeutic process helps young people discover & develop their identity, overcome challenges, feel empowered by speaking up and advance their creative and social skills. The songs they write have the potential to spark debate, help their peers and shape their future.

Song Academy runs after-school clubs, holiday workshops, school workshops, birthday parties and an annual international Young Songwriter competition. As a result of our programmes, we have seen a direct correlation in the increase and advancement of confidence, self-esteem, creativity, motivation, well-being and technical songwriting ability of our members.

February Half-Term Songwriting Workshops

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We’re calling all young people to get inspired, creative & productive over this half-term by writing songs! Writing songs is a great way to express yourself, connect with others & try to make sense of what’s happening in the challenging times we live in.  We know that gen Z have a lot to say….and we want to help them express themselves powerfully!

New songs written in these songwriting workshops can be entered into The Young Songwriter 2021 competition! It’s exciting and uplifting to be part of a vibrant, international community of young songwriters – listening to everyone’s songs & having access to exclusive opportunities!

SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS for the week 15th – 19th February:

  • Want to write a song with others first? Join a group of up to 8 young songwriters to write a song from scratch together. Then start writing your own song. 3 hour workshop. £35.50
  • Want to write your own song? Join a group of up 4 young songwriters and write your own original song over 3 days (2 hours each day). 6 hour workshop. £155

All groups have young people the same age and songwriting/musical experience.

CHECK OUT the dates/times & book a place. Don’t miss out!

Please share with all the young songwriters & musicians you know.

 

The Young Songwriter 2021 competition is open for entries from the 1st February to the 31st March 2021. 

 

Express Yourself!

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Now more than ever, young people need opportunities to express themselves. Song Academy has revolved around the tagline ‘Express Yourself’ since being founded 12 years ago, so writing a song called ‘Express Yourself’ felt like a good way to empower young people to speak up, express themselves, believe in themselves, connect with their generation and be part of the conversation shaping their future.

Proceeds from ‘Express Yourself’ will be donated to Young Minds, the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health.  ‘Express Yourself’ is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and more!  Go and check it out!

As Fraser T Smith (Songwriter, Producer and Song Academy Young Songwriter 2021 judge) says “With so much going on in the world, it’s never been more vital for young people to be able to channel their energy and emotions into something positive, which is what The Young Songwriter competition encourages and facilitates through songwriting. Every young person has something to say, a story to tell, or a message to share – that’s why Song Academy is so important to our community.”

The lyrics and melodies of “Express Yourself’ were written by several members of the Song Academy community and fine tuned by some of the Song Academy young ambassadors and Song Academy team.

Songwriters:  From the Song Academy community: Eddie Atkins, Francesca Morison, Rosie McWilliams, Ciara Mill, Daisy Peacock, Rowan Scourfield, Judah Venable & Jonathan Young
Song Academy Young Ambassadors: Sebastian Croft, Gus Harrower, Cassa Jackson, Kevin Jones, Miriam Nyarko, Jenk Oz, Joshua Shea

Singers:  Eddie Atkins, Gus Harrower, Cassa Jackson, Francesca Morison, Rosie McWilliams, Ciara Mill, Miriam Nyarko, Daisy Peacock, Rowan Scourfield, Joshua Shea, Judah Venable, Max Elliot & Jonathan Young

Guitars, Keyboards and Programming:  Max Elliot

Guitars and Bass:  Rowan Scourfield

Additional Production, Mixing and Mastering:  Sam Cramer

 

LYRICS

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Verse 1
Speak up, you’ve got something to say
Time is passing every single day
Don’t be afraid of your reflection
Aim for growth and not perfection

Verse 2
Shout it out don’t just store it away
The stars in you could get lost in space
When you don’t know how you feel
Just know that it’s OK to reveal

Pre Chorus
It don’t matter where you come from
But it matters who you are
Don’t lose your motivation
Ain’t no better time to start…to

Chorus
Shine like a star
Show who you are yeah
Lift up your voice
So the world knows your heart and
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself
Don’t be defeated
Mistakes masterpieces
You’ve got the power to change what we’re seeing
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself

Verse 3
Don’t be shy, take pride in yourself
Don’t leave your voice lying on the shelf
They tell you lies but you know the truth
When you believe it others will too

Verse 4
Shout it out don’t just store it away
The stars in you could get lost in space
When you don’t know how you feel
Just know that it’s OK to reveal

Pre Chorus
It don’t matter where you come from
But it matters who you are
Don’t lose your motivation
Ain’t no better time to start…to

Chorus
Shine like a star
Show who you are yeah
Lift up your voice
So the world knows your heart and
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself
Don’t be defeated
Mistakes masterpieces
You’ve got the power to change what we’re seeing
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself

Rap
V1
It’s our time to rise up, the voices of change
Cause people on the streets in a fiery rage
equality, the environment, we won’t betray
Hear the change coming, coming ablaze
V2
Health threats abound, don’t let em deter
For the mission is now, no chance to defer
Think about your future, shout out and be heard
For this is our time, our power is our word
V3
Democracy challenged, all over the map
Get yourself counted, don’t let it collapse
Use your love to overshadow the hate
Hear the change coming, coming ablaze
V4
Tomorrow’s bright lights, depend on today
So stick to your causes, show others the way
The future is now, rise up and be heard
For this is our time, our power is our word

Chorus
Shine like a star
Show who you are yeah
Lift up your voice
So the world knows your heart and
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself
Don’t be defeated
Mistakes masterpieces
You’ve got the power to change what we’re seeing
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself

Shine like a star
Show who you are yeah
Lift up your voice
So the world knows your heart
Trust yourself to yeah
To express yourself

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Aged 8-18? Written your own original songs? Fancy writing your first song? Get ready to enter The Song Academy Young Songwriter 2021 competition from 1st Feb-31st Mar 2021!

New Music Alert

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NEW MUSIC ALERT! Congratulations to Alex and Carina on their EP releases ‘Birthday Cake’ and ‘Spaceout!’  We’re so proud to support all of our Song Academy members as they release new music into the world.  It’s incredibly exciting but can also be scary to release new music, so we’re proud to support our members who decide to share their gift with the world!
We caught up with Alex to find out more about her songwriting and where she get’s her inspiration.

What got you into music? Did you immediately start writing or were you a fan for a bit first?  I was a big fan of Ed Sheeran growing up and I think his music was what inspired me to properly write songs as I was so in awe of how he wrote lyrics. But I think I’ve been writing bits and pieces for as long as I can remember.

Where did your inspiration come from for the songs on your EP?  I tend to find inspiration from things going on around me and stuff I’ve heard about however these songs were all pretty personal and I think that’s why I like them so much.

What’s your favourite part of the song writing process?   Probably when the main scaffolding of the song comes together and I start singing it through. It’s always really exciting to have made something from a couple of random thoughts in your head.

How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark?   I find it a very subconscious process, I’ll often come up with lyric not really knowing what it means or anything, I just think it sounds nice, and then as the song goes on I’ll realise what I’m writing about.

How did you produce your songs?  I pretty much recorded and produced the whole thing myself on logic.

Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with?   Definitely Cavetown, his lyrics are the coolest.

What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about writing songs but hasn’t started yet?  Or do you have any tips for 8-18 year old songwriters who are already writing?   Don’t overthink it too much!

What do you like about Song Academy?  I’ve met some really lovely people who’ve inspired me with my own writing. It’s cool to find people who also write songs and see each others progress.

Here’s our interview with Carina on her songwriting and where she finds inspiration.

What got you into music? Did you immediately start writing or were you a fan for a bit first?  I was always a pretty quiet so I never used to be into music, but I’ve always loved to write: stories, poems etc. As I got older I grew more confident and I guess my love for writing evolved into lyrics and music production also. I find it so much easier to convey how I feel and my ideas through music rather than just prose.

Where did your inspiration come from for the songs on your EP?  The bulk of the EP was made during the pandemic – and I’d look on my phone through all these videos and voice memos when life was normal (when I went to nyc and it was raining, friends talking at parties, etc.). It really inspired me to create something out of it, especially because it’s always been a goal of mine to release some music while I’m still a teenager. I think young people have interesting stories to tell, but often don’t get the opportunity to tell them, so I’ve always wanted to challenge that.

What’s your favourite part of the song writing process? The best thing about writing for me is that I struggle quite a bit with dissociative episodes, and it really helps. Dissociation can make you feel like you aren’t real and it becomes incredibly difficult to connect with anything, but writing can counteract that. When I make music, I’m taking something from inside my head and turning it into something that exists outside of myself. That process is very grounding for me and that’s why I do it so much.

How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark?  I guess it’s different every time, but I ususally get my initial ideas in pretty random places. I came up with the hook for ‘frontin’ when I was sitting in my school library which is funny because that does not match the vibe of the song at all. It always comes first with a little phrase that I find interesting though, like something that my friend will say in conversation or something I’ll see in an advert.

How did you produce your songs?  It took me about 10,000 years. I’m not joking. Essentially my parents have always been very supportive of me doing this, so they helped me to get everything I needed which is amazing – however they are not musical so I had to learn everything mostly on my own, with some help of a very cool producer guy called Ian who my Mum found on the internet. All my songs are written, recorded and mixed in my bedroom by me alone, which means it takes time but it’s also very special to me as well. Ian masters them for me though, which is cool.

Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with?   See that’s an interesting question. There’s a bunch of artists who I take inspiration from for my music but I think my dream collaboration would be with someone who has a very different vibe to me, because it’d be amazing to do something outside of my comfort zone and that I couldn’t do on my own. Either this artist called Toro Y Moi who has this very unique chillwave indietronica sound that I’m obsessed with, or LAUSSE THE CAT who’s an anonymous rapper that came from Soundcloud. He makes soundscapes that tell stories, and they’re so effective.

What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about writing songs but hasn’t started yet?  Or do you have any tips for 8-18 year old songwriters who are already writing?  There’s really not much more I can say than just be brave and do it. I was so scared to share my music for so long, so I understand what it’s like, but I am so so so beyond glad I did because it’s so rewarding. Being a young person can be difficult sometimes and having an outlet that’s entirely yours and that no one can control but you can be such an incredible thing. I’ve actually recently started to build a label and community with a bunch of my friends, because I believe young people shouldn’t have to be held back.

What do you like about Song Academy?  Song Academy is so important to me because if I hadn’t have gotten involved here, I’d probably never have pursued music like I have. Just the simple act of performing and watching my peers there perform a song once a fortnight is so motivating. It made me improve so much, because instead of writing stuff solely for me to hear, it was for 4 or 5 people to hear now. That alone is so encouraging. I want to try to build that too eventually with my label.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Aged 8-18? Written your own original songs? Fancy writing your first song? Get ready to enter The Song Academy Young Songwriter 2021 competition from 1st Feb-31st Mar 2021!

The Young Songwriter 2020 Album is out now!

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The Song Academy Young Songwriter Album 2020 is officially OUT NOW for you to enjoy! 27 tracks from this year’s competition all on one amazing compilation album. It’s available on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and more! Go and check it out now!⠀

Young songwriters on the album are:  Alex Carroll, Cathy Jain, Cora Harkin, Demie Bagnato, Eliza Mai, Guy Courtie, Hetta Falzon, Hugo Rankin, Jordyn Richards, Dodd-Noble, Leona Mae, Lilith Bee, Lily Criddle, Max Eastland-Park ft. Kiera Milward, Nadia Ahadi, Naomi Vosika, Pip Lewis, Rachel Dawson, Riley Stevenson, Ruby Mulholland, Sadie Mustoe, Saga Elizabeth Gregory Strand, Skye Bishop, Venice and Belle Herrera, William Massie & Zach Zbar.

This album not only gives young songwriters a unique platform to get noticed by a larger audience and educate them in the digital world of e-commerce and the dynamics of the music industry, but it also provides them with their own revenue source.

Fraser T Smith (songwriter, producer and SAYS21 judge) says “With so much going on in the world, it’s never been more vital for young people to be able to channel their energy and emotions into something positive, which is what The Young Songwriter competition encourages and facilitates through songwriting. Every young person has something to say, a story to tell, or a message to share – that’s why Song Academy is so important to our community.”

Do you know any young people who are…

  • Writing their own songs & want to get them heard?
  • Secretly writing their own songs and need a bit of encouragement to share them?
  • Creative & musical and would like to write their first song?

Then encourage them to enter The Young Songwriter 2021 competition!  We’re looking for pure, fresh songwriting talent. Songs will be judged on their originality, lyrics, melody, composition, and potential to be a smash hit! There’s no need to enter professional recordings, however a good recording can help to enhance the impact of songs.

Enter between the 1st February and 31st March 2021 for the opportunity to:

  • Get noticed by some of the best songwriters & key players in the music industry
  • Have your songs heard and stand out from the crowd
  • Record your winning song with a top producer in London
  • Win £1,000 worth of Yamaha equipment
  • Receive a professional music video & photos from the recording session
  • Win a Focusrite Scarlett Solo Gen 3 Studio Bundle
  • Perform in The Young Songwriter 2021 showcase at The Tabernacle, London
  • Get connected to our vibrant community of young songwriters

This competition will be separately judged for UK & Ireland 8-12 year olds, UK & Ireland 13-18 year olds, International 8-12 year olds and International 13-18 year olds.  More information is at www.songacademy.co.uk/says21

This year’s panel of award winning judges includes: Fraser T Smith (Stormzy, Dave, Adele, Drake, Sam Smith), Tom Odell, Chris Difford, Tom Grennan, Michelle Escoffery, Calum Scott, Hannah V, Calum Scott, Dan Gillespie Sells, Harley Sule (Rizzle Kicks), Janet Devlin, Eg White (Adele, Duffy, Take That, Pink), Sacha Skarbek (James Blunt, Miley Cyrus, Adele, Jason Mraz, Duffy), Paul Adam (Dannii Minogue, Amy MacDonald & A&R Director at Island Records), Emily Philips (Rizzle Kicks, John Newman, Maddison Beer), Miranda Cooper (Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Pet Shop Boys, Alesha Dixon), Starsmith (Ellie Goulding, Lady Gaga, Jess Glynne, Paloma Faith), Simon Aldred (Sam Smith, Rag’n’Bone Man, Avicii) and Iain Archer (Bugg, Sea Girls, Lisa Hannigan, Liam Gallagher, James Bay, Snow Patrol, Niall Horan).

Click here for more information on The Young Songwriter 2021 competition.

Click here to join our songwriting workshops in December to get your songs ready!

Right To Be Loved single has a universal timeless message

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The writing of ‘Right To Be Loved’ was the first collaborative project led by Song Academy.  The idea was sparked during a meeting between Rowena Atkins, CEO of Song Academy and Jo Garofalo, founder of Voice In A Million (the promoter of school singing events with the ambition to positively change the perception of Adoption and Fostering both in the UK and worldwide). They were talking about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition and giving one of the winner’s the opportunity to perform at the VIAM show at SSE Wembley Arena.  Rowena saw the opportunity of Song Academy having a unique role to help to raise awareness of the large number of vulnerable children in care and the difference that adoption and fostering makes in the world, for both child and parent, as well as a universal message that every child has a right to be loved, by writing an original song from the hearts and minds of young people. 

Eleven talented songwriters were selected from Song Academy, aged between 12 and 16 (Emma Whiley, Spencer Winningham, India Whitehurst, David Zazo, Claudia Namor, Ginevra Benedetti, Gilska Weerakkody, Ella Bleakley, Max Elliot, Lilah Atkins and Roman Lewis) to write the song, which they called ‘Right To Be Loved’.

 

A couple of years later, the Scorer family (whose daughter was a member of Song Academy) asked if they could use ‘Right To Be Loved’ to raise awareness of the important work they were doing at a school in the Lindi region of Tanzania as part of  The Lindi Society charity in Tanzania.  We are so proud that this song has travelled across the world to continue spreading its message of equality and love. The Scorer family created a moving video of the pupils singing ‘Right To Be Loved’.

This rare footage offers the opportunity to see the daily routine and everyday life of school kids in a rural region of Tanzania and makes a clear statement, that every child has the right to be loved and to be raised and taken care of with respect, empathy and without violence.

The Lindi Region in South-East Tanzania belongs to the poorest areas of the country.  The Lindi Society was founded in Tanzania with the mission of alleviating poverty and hardship, particularly for girls and women,  by providing the best quality education they can afford to break the cycle of deprivation and lack of opportunities.

Song Academy are planning more collaborative projects to help raise awareness of issues that are important to young people and helping to shape a future they want.

Summer collaboration competition

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Song Academy Summer Collaboration Competition

Open for submissions – entry deadline is 24th August

We’ve had the tagline ‘Express Yourself’ since we founded Song Academy 11 years ago and we want to write a song to celebrate it! We’d like as many young people as possible to contribute to the lyrics, melodies, composition & music video, as possible. This collaborative project will be masterminded by some of the Song Academy young ambassadors. We’d love you to be part of our collaboration & have your voice heard.

Songwriting brief: Please write a song with the title ‘Express Yourself’. Song Academy is about helping every child find their voice. We believe that writing songs is a powerful way to express yourself and communicate what you’re feeling. Songwriting is good for the soul and happiness in life! We’re leaving the brief fairly open so you can be as creative as you want, but we would love for your songs to align with Song Academy’s mission, which is helping every child find their voice, supporting youth’s mental health, helping them to express themselves and championing the benefits of music! We’re looking forward to hearing your songs.

Who can enter? Anyone aged 8-18 year olds, solo or group entries welcome. It’s free to enter!

How to send us your song: Please email your submission before the 24th August to expressyourself@songacademy.co.uk, we can accept SoundCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive or WeTransfer links. You can submit in any format, whether it’s audio or video, or even just some lyrics in a text file!

Please also post your song (or a snippet of your song!) as an audio recording/video recording/music video via Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok, tagging Song Academy (Instagram and TikTok @song_academy; Facebook and YouTube @songacademyUK). Plus the hashtags #expressyourself #songacademycollaboration.

We will pick our favourite submissions and if you are successful, you’ll be invited to a Zoom call on Wednesday 2nd September, 2pm BST with some of the Song Academy young ambassadors and Song Academy team to create the finished song, along with other writers!

We’re looking forward to listening to your songs!

Who are The Song Academy Young Ambassadors?

Here’s a reminder…

Sebastian Croft

Andrea Turk

Cassa Jackson

Gus Harrower

Joshua Shea

Katie Kittermaster

Tabitha Jade

Roman Lewis

Jenk Oz

Miriam Nyarko

Natalie Shay

Kevin Jones

Ronnie Warwick

Lottie Jenkins

The Young Songwriter 2020 competition highlights

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It’s only July and 2020 has already been a rollercoaster year for many of us, with all sorts of ups, downs, twists and turns. We thought it would be good to look back on the incredible past few months we’ve had at Song Academy, and all the positives that have come from not just 2020’s Young Songwriter Competition, but everything else we’ve done.

We figured the best way to do that would be with a video that sums up our last few months, we hope you enjoy it!

 

None of this would have been possible without YOU and we want to thank all of you who entered the competition, attended a songwriting club (online or in real life!), liked or commented on our posts, or told a friend about what we do. We’ve been able to build up an amazing community of Young Songwriters and we hope to keep on building it! Our mission is to help every child find their voice… we’re excited about the future. Next opportunity to get involved are our online songwriting workshops in August!

August online songwriting workshops

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We’re calling creative & musical young people to join our online songwriting workshops this August! With 11 years experience developing songwriting programmes, these workshops are perfect for those wanting to write their first song or those already developing an album of original songs.  Develop your songwriting skills and collaborate with kindred spirits.

Choose from 3 types of workshops, to develop your lyric writing, melody improvising, composition and production skills:

3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th August
– Group songwriting workshops (groups of 8) writing a song together over 3 hours.
– Songwriting workshops (groups of 4) writing an individual song over two days (3 hours per day).

10th, 11th, 12th & 14th August
– Production/Songwriting workshops (groups of 4) getting feedback on a song you’ve already written and having help developing the production of your song over two days (3 hours per day).

Workshops are tailored for different age groups (8-10, 11-12, 13-15 & 16-18 year olds) and different levels of songwriting experience.

Please share with all the young songwriters & musicians you know.

Don’t miss out!  Book a place.

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